Guide:

When

Where

Accessibility:

The walk follows a rocky, undulating trail that is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

Gatineau Park:

Thomas 'Carbide' Willson Ruins

Description

This is author and historian Katharine Fletcher’s favourite trail in Gatineau Park. Not only are the woodlands and lakes stunningly beautiful, but there is tangible, visible human history to discover, particularly in the ruins of Thomas "Carbide" Willson's super-phosphate fertilizer plant and generating station, often called "The Mill."

During this lively walking tour, Katharine will talk about the early settlers who had farms here, and reveal some fascinating observations about natural history. She says, "We may find ephemeral spring flowers blooming, such as Dutchman’s Breeches, Wake-robins (red trilliums), and Bloodroot." She encourages participants to join the conversation, recognizing that many of us have appreciated this park for decades — or have just discovered it.

Katharine will proceed at a slow pace, giving ample time for examining plants and bird-watching — and discussing early pioneers lives "up the mountain."

Route

We meet at O'Brien Beach Parking Lot (P-11), at the south-east tip of Meech Lake, on chemin du Lac Meech (Meech Lake Road) in Gatineau Park, northwest of the village of Old Chelsea.

From Ottawa, take Autoroute 5 north to Old Chelsea Rd exit, turn left (west) on Old Chelsea Rd. through the village and continue on chemin du Lac Meech to Parking Lot 11.

From the parking lot, we'll take the gravel access road past O'Brien House, connect with the TransCanada Trail (formerly Discovery Trail) #36, cross the bridge which spans the conjunction of Meech and Little Meech lakes, and then hike further along #36 to the turnoff to the ruins of Thomas Carbide Willson's dam and fertilizer plant. The site is about half a kilometer from the turnoff.

This hike will proceed unless there has been (or is) heavy rain, which renders trails impassable. The walk follows undulating, rocky, sometimes tricky trails (one short descent is both steep and rocky), mostly inside the protection of a mature forest. The terrain is unsuitable for wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone who is not in reasonably good fitness. Wear appropriate, comfy footwear for uneven footing/terrain, sunhat, and bring both camera and binoculars – plus water and a snack. Don’t forget insect repellent: black flies could be out.

Round-trip distance is about 2-1/2 kilometers. Katharine's book Historical Walks: The Gatineau Park Story includes a detailed description of this walk, including a map, on pages 99–100. Katharine will have copies available for sale at the walk.